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Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide (NYSE:HOT) is spinning off its timeshare business, Starwood Vacation Ownership, into a separate publicly traded company that will be headquartered in Orlando. View the full article

A Houston family is walking 4,000 miles from Disneyland in California to Disney World in Florida in honor of their late daughter. View the full article

We are about a month away from the start of the 2015 Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival at Epcot. Since winter weather blankets most of North America, I figured a look ahead to spring was a perfect idea. I recently dug up details about new items guests will see starting March 4 when this annual festival returns to Walt Disney World Resort. The merchandise events team has created a variety of items especially for this event including apparel, drinkware, accessories and more. This year, the Sorcerer Mickey topiary takes center stage as the main logo on several items including a coffee mug, magnet, and tote bag (the mug features a hidden broom topiary image inside). I love the new topiary-inspired headband with a Sorcerer’s hat and a gardening hat with mouse ears. The Disney pin team created several limited edition pins featuring the topiaries that will be found throughout the theme park including the new Anna and Elsa topiaries inspired by Disney’s “Frozen”. Olaf from Disney’s “Frozen” will join Mickey and Minnie Mouse as new garden decorations (the thought of Olaf next to the rain gauge makes me laugh!). Finally, we will release a new Dooney & Bourke collection designed by Disney Design Group artist Paola Gutierrez. This black-and-white pattern shows silhouettes of Disney characters riding vintage bicycles (you may recall seeing the artwork in this story from early January. Select bags released during the Festival will include a specially designed hangtag. There are no immediate plans to carry these bags at Disneyland Resort or on our Disney Parks online store; they will only be found at Epcot during this initial release. These items will be released at the Festival Center, a themed shopping and demonstration area located between Mission: SPACE and Universe of Energy pavilions at Epcot. This year, the Festival Center will be open Friday-Sunday during the Festival Weekends. Items will also be found in other merchandise locations in Future World and World Showcase. Stay tuned as I’ll provide a first look inside the Festival Center around the start of the event in March. I’ll also have details about a new retail MagicBand created for this event that you won’t want to let go. First Look at New Products Coming to 2015 Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival at Epcot by Steven Miller: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

“Happy Birthday to you. Happy Birthday to you. Happy Birthday dear…” well, you know the rest. We all know this song as the anthem to a very special day! A day filled with laughter, love and celebration. But can you imagine celebrating your special day at the place where dreams come true? For those of you who’d love a birthday celebration at Walt Disney World or the Disneyland Resort, you’re going to love this! And according to the “Discover Your Disney Side” quiz, if your loved one is fun, enthusiastic, sweet, kind, loyal or your best pal, then read on because this post is also for you! If you’re just joining us and wondering what the excitement is all about, check out our introduction post to this year’s Disney 14 Days of Love and take the quiz! One of the most popular requests we receive from guests is, “Can Mickey come to our resort room to wish my child a Happy Birthday?” So our creative team took on the challenge and designed a birthday celebration experience that felt just as if Mickey and the gang came to your Walt Disney World or Disneyland Resort room! Imagine this: you just celebrated your child’s birthday with a full day in the parks. As you return to your Walt Disney World or Disneyland Resort room, you notice a “Happy Birthday” banner hanging on your door. When you open the door, you see that your resort room is filled with surprises left by Mickey and the rest of the Fab 5, all in celebration of your child’s birthday! Imagine the jaw-dropping memory you’ll create. With Mickey and Pals Big Birthday Wish at Walt Disney World and Mickey and Friends Birthday Bash at the Disneyland Resort, every member of the Disney Fab 5 brought goodies and surprises to create a one-of-a-kind surprise in celebration of their special birthday! Mickey Mouse made sure to bring essential birthday party items including birthday ears and balloons. And in true Minnie fashion, that sweet mouse brought a delicious candy cake. Goofy, Donald and Pluto also brought along surprises for the celebration, including a few “goofy” gags, “quacky” surprises and “doggy” keepsakes. And, you can also customize these experiences as well as personalize them. For example, you can add on additional birthday ears for the rest of the family as well as have them embroidered. After you enjoy it here, take it with you and use it year after year for birthday celebrations at home. These resort experiences are available now for purchase. You can order Mickey and Pals Big Birthday Wish at Disney World Floral & Gifts online or speak with a Dream Maker at 407-WDW-GIFT. For Mickey and Friends Birthday Bash at Disneyland, you can order online or call a Dream Maker 714-781-GIFT. Once ordered our Dream Makers will prepare the surprise for you while you’re away from your room. And speaking of surprises, I have a secret to share. Our creative team has begun re-imagining this grand celebration to bring an all new, over-the-top experience right to your Walt Disney World or Disneyland Resort room. In the spirit of Disney 14 Days of Love, I’m giving you an exclusive look at some of our concept art for this brand new experience! The picture below represents possible art for five new bins for the new birthday surprise. What do you think? Each collapsible bin will feature goodies and surprises from each character, all in celebration of your big day! It’s slated to launch on both coasts fall of 2015. And, there’s more in store! So, stay tuned to the Disney Parks Blog and DisneyFloralandgifts.com at Disney World and DisneyFloralandGifts.com for Disneyland. And be sure to join me tomorrow for day eleven of Disney 14 Days of Love, where I’ll be sharing romantic ideas for expressing your affection on Valentine’s Day. So now that you’ve seen some of the concept art for the brand new birthday celebration, what do you think? We want your feedback! Share which bin is your favorite and tell us what else you’d like to see in your birthday surprise by commenting below or using #Disney14DaysofLove. See you tomorrow! Create a Big Birthday Celebration with 14 Days of Love by Jean Volante: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

SANFORD – A state prison inmate who's a suspect in one of the most prominent missing persons case in Central Florida is back in court today. View the full article

A new poll from Quinnipiac University finds that Florida voters are feeling pretty good about the economy and things in general, but still aren't too happy with Gov. Rick Scott, who continues to have higher disapproval than approval ratings. View the full article

WASHINGTON, D.C. — When Victor Oladipo was growing up in the suburban Washington area, he often wondered what it might be like to play for the Wizards. View the full article

We’re stopping in for a quick, midday bite to eat at Cookes of Dublin! Learn About: Cooke’s of DublinDowntown Disney Disney World RestaurantsYou’ll find this little fish and chips shop at Walt Disney World’s Downtown Disney, adjacent to Raglan Road Irish Pub. In fact, it’s part of that complex and shares a kitchen with the Pub. Cookes has been a consistently reliable stop for a quick, hot meal every time we’ve visited. And we think they serve some of the best Fish and Chips around. But I simply can’t resist their Irish Vintage Cheese and Bacon Dip (and you shouldn’t, either). But on a recent trip, we decided to branch out a bit and try a few other menu options! Let’s check out what we sampled this time out. AtmosphereYou’ll find Cookes of Dublin around the corner from Raglan Road. If you’re coming from the Downtown Disney parking lots directly in front of Raglan Road, you’ll veer right, just past the gift shop and Hole in the Wall Bar. Cookes of Dublin — Outside As you wait in the queue to order, be sure to take in Cookes Philosophy. This spot is more quick service than counter service; you can expect a bit of a wait while your food is cooked to order, but it won’t take long. Philosophy This is a really, really small space, but it’s not without charm. Trim on the floor and the counter are vintage-looking tile in classic Slytherin colors (probably coincidental), and there are plenty of brass accents as well. Cookes Ordering Counter Once you place your order, you can proceed to the right side of the ordering area, where you’ll pick up condiments and fill your drink cups. Condiments You’ll find a full array of toppers for your meal, including some familiar favorites. After all, you can’t have fish and chips without malt vinegar and tartar sauce. Additional Condiments – Gotta Have Malt Vinegar for Fish and Chips! You’ll also get your own drinks at the Beverage Station. Fountain Drink Station This old-fashioned mirror with the name of the restaurant on it has nothing neon or flashy about it, but it perfectly conveys that vintage tone achieved by the rest of the decor. Cookes of Dublin Mirror Sign I’ve always been puzzled by this teeny-tiny seating area. More than once, I’ve wondered where in the world I was going to sit once I had my food (somehow, it always works out, though). But recently, while on Raglan Road’s website, I noticed that Cookes is specifically billed as a take-away spot. They never really planned for you to hang around. There are a few tables outdoors as well, but if this spot is busy, you’ll be waiting a while for a seat. Seating Area The walls are covered with portraiture and more mirrors, which lend an air of family history and make the space feel a little larger. Seating Area Decor Now that we’ve taken the tour — such as it is! — let’s check out the dishes we decided to sample on this visit. EatsIf you’ve been to Cookes — well, anytime, pretty much — you’ll notice that the menu offerings and prices have changed very little. That’s a good thing! It’s always nice to find something you love and know that you can keep getting it. Menu – Click to Enlarge The Kids’ Menu stays on theme as well, but you should be able to find something for little ones to eat with a wide array of kid-friendly options. Kid’s Menu – Click to Enlarge I’ve had Cookes Fish and Chips special, the One and One, lots of times. It’s some of the best fish and chips I’ve had in the States — always fresh and delicious. Fish and Chips — The Original One and One And while I was not equally enamored with their Battered Burger, I think there’s some serious potential there. Battered Burger and Chips from Cookes of Dublin Others swear by the traditional Meat Pies that you can get at Cookes. Again — such an awesomely authentic taste of Ireland, and it’s something you can’t really get around these parts unless you’re willing to make them at home. Beef and Lamb Pie with Chips These were all good, solid choices on previous visits. But today, we were out to show you a couple of new options. My Dad went with the Battered Chicken Tenders. He wanted something a little lighter on the side though, and opted to replace the traditional thick-cut Chips with a Side Salad. The batter on the Chicken, which is the same as you get on the fish and other selections, was crisp and not greasy. The Salad was fresh and the dressing has the flavor of something made in house from scratch. Battered Chicken Tenders and Side Salad I decided to go for the Mini Irish Style Battered Sausages and Chips. Now, if you’ve ever dined and Raglan Road and you’ve ordered the Dalkey Duo, these little sausages should be familiar to you. Mini Irish Style Battered Sausages and Chips They’re incredibly delicious, with just a little bit of kick that I love. They aren’t served with that killer creamy mustard sauce that you get with the Dalkey Duo, though. Bummer. Still, it’s a delicious and different take on lunch, and I enjoyed them. The chips were nicely golden and delicious, too. Chips and Sausages — Up Close Here, you’ll get a sense of what the sausages are like — light in color, sort of like bratwurst, but with lots of good spice and flavor. Battered Sausages — Inside I mentioned the Irish Vintage Cheese and Bacon Dip above earlier. It makes a great extra alongside just about anything you order. We’ve dipped chips, chicken, burgers, fish — you name it! It’s so amazing, and definitely worth a few bucks extra for something pretty unique. Vintage Cheese and Bacon Dip at Cookes of Dublin And don’t forget to take a tour of the dessert menu! It’s hard to pass up a Doh-Bar — a donut battered Snickers or Mars Bar. Yup. Deep fried deliciousness in dessert form. How could you resist?? Doh-Bar! With another delicious meal from Cookes in the books, we headed out for a little Downtown Disney Shopping. OverallWhat’s not to love about Cookes? The warm, vintage decor, the delicious and varied menu of comfort foods, the consistent quality. Simply put, we’ve never had a bad experience here. Sure, they could do with a little more seating, and it would be great if you could get a pint here, rather than having to go next door to the Hole in the Wall to grab a beer. Even so, it’s a winner. All of its attributes — plus that amazing dip!! — work together to make this a highly recommended stop if you’re looking for some good food in the Downtown Disney area. Try Cookes. I think you’ll be happy you did. Will you be stopping by Cookes for some delicious, Ireland-inspired eats? Leave a comment and tell us what looks good to you! Disney Food Blog Fans, be sure to check out our DFB Disney World Dining Guide e-Books! Find great deals at DFBStore.com!Also, come on over and: Subscribe to our NewsletterFollow us on TwitterBecome a Facebook Fan Related posts: Review: Cookes of Dublin in Downtown Disney DFB Must-Have: Irish Vintage Cheese and Bacon Dip at Cookes of Dublin Guest Review: Cookes of Dublin in Downtown Disney View the full article

TALLAHASSEE – FSU followed the formula it needed for an upset over No. 4 Duke. View the full article

Cold is better than heat and heat is preferable to rain, though the end result between heat and rain often is the same – a wet body. Cool is without a doubt the best. View the full article

At first glance, there's no sign outside the KinderCare Center on Goldenrod Road of the horrific crash that killed a preschooler almost a year ago. View the full article

The Osceola County Commission took a big step toward creating a 100,000-square foot research center that would develop smart sensors for cars and appliances, voting Monday to approve up to $67.5 million in bonds to fund the project. View the full article

With a new year comes new beginnings, and I’d like to begin 2015 by reviving one of my favorite Disney Parks Blog series, “The Magic of Disney Parks Storytelling,” with one of my favorite snack-time spots, Fiddler, Fifer & Practical Cafe at Disney California Adventure park. This 1930s-era eatery was established by Dolly, Dottie and Ethel Bounds, known professionally as Fiddler, Fifer & Practical (aka the Silver Lake Sisters). They spent a good part of their lives performing the vaudeville circuit, entertaining the troops in World War I and becoming minor celebrities in nightclubs along the then‐emerging Sunset Strip in Hollywood. After 20 years of singing, dancing and playing their instruments (Dolly on violin, Dottie on flute, Ethel on piano), the sisters decided to put down roots on Buena Vista Street. The idea came from Ethel, the practical one. She had always handled the trio’s business affairs and was constantly urging her sisters to settle down and open a legitimate business. They finally agreed, joining together to open Fiddler, Fifer & Practical Café, with its name an homage to their act. A wall inside the restaurant features photos, posters and memorabilia from the days when Dolly, Dottie and Ethel performed as Fiddler, Fifer & Practical – the Silver Lake Sisters. You can see them in publicity shots and in photos showing them performing on stage and relaxing or prepping backstage in their dressing rooms. A map of California shows the various places they’ve performed throughout the Golden State, and above the front window, marquee letters, spell out “Silver Lake Sisters.” So the next time you’re getting a great deal on a square meal at Fiddler, Fifer & Practical Café, take a look around and discover the story of these talented ladies for yourself. For more from “The Magic of Disney Parks Storytelling” series, visit the links below: The Magic of Disney Parks Storytelling: Haunted Mansion at Disneyland ParkThe Magic of Disney Parks Storytelling: Splash Mountain at Disneyland ParkThe Magic of Disney Parks Storytelling: Radiator Springs Racers at Disney California Adventure ParkThe Magic of Disney Parks Storytelling: The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror at Disney California Adventure ParkThe Magic of Disney Parks Storytelling: Fiddler, Fifer & Practical Cafe at Disney California Adventure Park by Erin Glover: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

SANFORD — Working from state prison without a lawyer, James Hataway, a suspect in one of Central Florida's most prominent missing person's cases, has won a key legal victory. View the full article

Today, Hong Kong Disneyland announced their fifth consecutive record-breaking year as the resort reported its Annual Business Review. Their financial performance was paired with another record achievement: during the year, the resort welcomed its 50-millionth guest. Coming off of a series of expansions – Toy Story Land, Grizzly Gulch and Mystic Point – and new entertainment like Disney Paint the Night that have turned out to be guest favorites, Hong Kong Disneyland has even more exciting projects in the pipeline. Here’s a look at some of the new experiences guests have to look forward to. In January, Hong Kong Disneyland broke ground on the resort’s third hotel, Disney Explorers Lodge, marking another exciting milestone in the resort’s development as a world-class travel destination. The 750-room hotel is slated to open in early 2017, and will embody stories from the grand era of exploration and adventure in the 1920s. Inspired by explorer’s travels to an African savannah, a South American rainforest and a Polynesian island paradise, the resort will allow guest to discover the exotic cultures and the natural beauty of Asia. Debuting at Hong Kong Disneyland in 2016, guests can experience the very first Disney attraction based on a character in the Iron Man Experience. Located in Tomorrowland, the Iron Man experience will allow guests to see firsthand the progression of Tony’s Iron Man suits and many other Stark innovations in Expo format. The super-charged attraction will take guests on an epic adventure against the forces of evil over the streets and in the skies of Hong Kong. In addition, guest will have the opportunity to meet the man, the myth, the legend himself: Iron Man. And coming up this year, Hong Kong Disneyland will celebrate its 10th Anniversary! There are lots of surprises in store and, along with all these expansions and enhancements, Hong Kong Disneyland is sure to continue to strengthen its positioning as the premier vacation destination in Hong Kong. Hong Kong Disneyland Delivers Another Record Breaking Year by Thomas Smith: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

Actor Neil Patrick Harris has been a fan of Disney Parks since he was a child. Over the years, he has lent his voice to the California Screamin’ attraction at Disney California Adventure, and has served as narrator for “The Candlelight Processional” at Epcot for several years. Check out this video, in which Neil shares some of his favorite Disney memories and his excitement over his fulfilling his latest “Disney dream” – the chance to host “The 2015 Oscars,” which will air LIVE on Sunday, February 22nd at 7e|4p on ABC! Neil Patrick Harris Shares Disney Park Memories, Excitement for Academy Awards by Jennifer Fickley-Baker: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

Actor Neil Patrick Harris has been a fan of Disney Parks since he was a child. Hear him reflect on his favorite Disney Parks memories and then come create your own: http://di.sn/6000Lk0q Over...From:Disney ParksViews:311091ratingsTime:00:27More inTravel & Events

Princess Tiana said it best: “My mom always said that the quickest way to a man’s heart is through his stomach.” If that’s the case, love is all around at Walt Disney World Resort! This week, you’ll find specialty sweets throughout the resort; here are some of our favorites: Magic Kingdom Park Chocolate-raspberry cupcake at Main Street BakerySpecialty strawberry and chocolate sundae at Plaza Ice Cream ParlorRed velvet waffle sundae with cream cheese icing and sprinkles at Sleepy Hollow (after 5p.m.)Queen of Hearts cupcake at Cheshire CaféRed velvet cupcake with cream cheese icing at Be Our Guest Restaurant (on February 14, dinner only)Strawberry cheesecake at Tony’s Town Square Restaurant (February 14 only) Disney’s Hollywood Studios Lady and the Tramp cupcake with red velvet cake and chocolate ganache frosting at The Trolley Car Café, Starring Rolls Cafe, ABC Commissary, Pizza Planet, Backlot Express, Studio Catering Co., Rosie’s All American Café, Fairfax FareEpcot Cherry chocolate cupcake at Sunshine Seasons Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge Valentine’s Day heart-shaped cheesecakes, fondue for two, and chocolate covered strawberries at The MaraHeart-shaped puff pastry filled with a Champagne mousse and wild strawberry sauce at Jiko – The Cooking Place Disney’s Yacht & Beach Club Resort Red velvet cupcake, sweetheart dessert featuring two cupcakes, two chocolate-covered strawberries and two truffles at Beach Club MarketplaceSweetheart dessert compilation for two at Yachtsman Steakhouse Disney’s BoardWalk Specialty raspberry panna cotta cupcake at BoardWalk BakerySpecial Valentine’s thunder dessert at Flying Fish CaféDisney’s Polynesian Village Resort Red velvet pancakes at Kona CafeDisney’s Wilderness Lodge Valentine Trinity Dessert featuring petite double-ganache chocolate cake, Champagne sabayon and raspberry turnover at Artist PointStrawberry-dipped chocolate cupcake at Roaring ForkDisney’s Contemporary Resort Sweetheart pancakes and Valentine’s-themed dessert buffet at Chef Mickey’sRed velvet pancakes, red velvet cupcake, strawberry-chocolate crème brûlée, and flourless chocolate cake at The Wave … of American FlavorsDouble-chocolate specialty cupcake at Contempo CaféWhich treats will you share with your sweetie with on Valentine’s Day? Sweet Valentine’s Day Offerings at Walt Disney World Resort by Rachel Brent: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

It is less than one month until Epcot officially welcomes Spring with the 2015 Flower & Garden Festival beginning on March 4, 2015! Even among all the gorgeous topiaries and fun Garden Rocks Concert Series, what we at the DFB look forward to most is the Outdoor Kitchens. They’re similar to the Marketplace Booths at the Epcot Food & Wine Festival, offering plates and sips in appetizer portions allowing you to sample a wide variety of flavors throughout your World Showcase stroll. And today, thanks to the twitter feed of L’artisan des Glaces, we’ve got a glimpse of a new offering coming to the Outdoor Kitchen in France: the Ice Pop Frozen Cocktail! Ice Pop Frozen Cocktail © L’artisan des Glaces It’s Grand Marnier Raspberry Peach, vodka, and iced tea. While that combination sounds divine, the best part is… it’s ON A STICK!! We’re bound to have all sorts of new information for this year’s Flower & Garden Festival on the way soon, and we can’t wait to share it with you! In the meantime, let this be a hopeful sign to all of you in colder regions that spring is, indeed, on the way!! Are you looking forward to the Flower & Garden Festival? Please let us know with a comment! Disney Food Blog Fans, be sure to check out our DFB Disney World Dining Guide e-Books! Find great deals at DFBStore.com!Also, come on over and: Subscribe to our NewsletterFollow us on TwitterBecome a Facebook Fan Related posts: News! New Bonitas Botánico Outdoor Kitchen Debuts at Epcot Flower and Garden Festival, Plus Garden Rocks Concert Line Up News! 2015 Epcot International Flower and Garden (PLUS FOOD!) Festival Details Announced News! Epcot Flower and Garden Festival Food Booths Are Arriving (And the Menu Has Been Updated)! View the full article

Although Disney Parks Blog readers may be most familiar with my posts focusing on our horses at the Disneyland Resort, we have other types of animals here as well. Specifically, I’m talking sheep! In today’s video you’ll meet Jacquie Keane, a Circle D Barn Lead, who’s been working with animals, and shearing sheep, since she was nine years old. Please take a look as Jacquie demonstrates the art of the clippers – sheep style! Disneyland Park Sheep Gets a Haircut by Donna Fisk: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

In another sign the critically important Floridan Aquifer is being pushed to its limits, Orange County is asking regulators today for permission to drill wells that will go far deeper and cost a lot more than usual. View the full article

In today's video you'll meet Jacquie Keane, a Circle D Barn Lead, who's been working with animals, and shearing sheep, since she was nine years old. Come see for yourself: http://di.sn/6000xk...From:Disney ParksViews:230578ratingsTime:01:45More inTravel & Events

I always love having the chance to see our parks completely empty, just moments before thousands of guests arrive for a day of fun. That’s what makes this early morning shot of the Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover and the Tomorrowland Speedway so neat. The cars are shined up and ready for guests this morning. What fun! A Morning View From the PeopleMover at Magic Kingdom Park by Jennifer Fickley-Baker: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

One of my favorite parts of my job with the Disney Parks Blog is that I occasionally get to go behind the scenes and try out something that is really amazing, like stunt car driving at “Lights! Motors! Action! Extreme Stunt Show,” or learning stage combat at the “Indiana Jones Stunt Spectacular.” My most recent adventure took me to “Festival of the Lion King” at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, where I was lucky enough to spend some time with a few stars from the show – the fan-favorite Tumble Monkeys. In case you haven’t seen “Festival of the Lion King,” the show celebrates the story of Simba the lion cub through live music, dance, puppetry, fireknife, and more. The Tumble Monkey scene adds humor into the story when a group of monkeys bounce, climb, flip, jump and swing in a hilarious gymnastics routine. In reality, the Tumble Monkeys are a group of highly trained gymnasts who studied the sport up through their college years. In reality, I have not done a cartwheel since about age 7. This made it a pretty interesting challenge to go backstage and learn some of their (beginner) stunts. They also shared with me a team secret, which they call “Monkeying Out.” Check it all out below. You can see “Festival of the Lion King” at Disney’s Animal Kingdom several times each day. Check your My Disney Experience app for showtimes during your visit. For more behind-the-scenes looks, check out the videos below: Behind the Scenes: ‘Monkeying Out’ with the Tumble Monkeys at ‘Festival of the Lion King’ by Jennifer Fickley-Baker: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

Go behind the scenes with the Disney Parks Blog and the Tumble Monkeys of the "Festival of the Lion King" show at Disney's Animal Kingdom at Walt Disney World Resort! http://di.sn/6009INJL...From:Disney ParksViews:30175ratingsTime:02:38More inTravel & Events